Kenya has announced the completion of a 400-kilovolt transmission line with Tanzania. The announcement was made by Kenya’s Energy Cabinet Secretary, Opiyo Wandayi, during the 2024 Eastern Africa Power Pool (EAPP) Regional Trade Conference.
The EAPP Regional Trade Conference, with over 300 delegates, served as a platform to discuss strategies for enhancing energy integration and cross-border electricity trade. Attendees included energy ministers, regulators, and development partners, underscoring the collective commitment to sustainable energy development across Africa.
This infrastructure is set to facilitate the export of renewable energy, bolstering cross-border electricity trade and promoting access to clean energy within the region. Tanzania can now leverage Kenya’s renewable energy resources and gain indirect access to Ethiopian clean energy through Kenya’s transmission network.
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Universal electricity access
This development positions Kenya as a pivotal energy hub in the region, driving economic growth and environmental sustainability. The country has made impressive progress in electricity access, with over 75% of the population connected to the grid as of recent estimates. This includes programs like the Kenya Off-Grid Solar Access Project (KOSAP) aim to provide power to underserved areas using mini-grids and solar solutions. Urban areas are achieving near-universal electricity access, driven by government initiatives and private sector participation.
Tanzania’s energy sector is diverse, with significant untapped potential across various energy sources. The total installed electricity generation capacity is about 1,700 MW, with plans to expand through various projects.
Approximately 39% of the population has access to electricity, with urban areas having better coverage than rural areas. The Rural Electrification Program, led by the Rural Energy Agency (REA), aims to increase access in underserved areas.